Stainless steel is always a top choice for cookware because of its so many useful benefits. Compared to other metal, stainless steel is the safest, durable, and versatile cookware for everyday cooking. However, there’re a wide variety of brands, sets, and products are available in the market which makes it difficult to make the right decision. Well, here you’ll get all of the information that you need to select the right cookware for your kitchen.
Table Of Contents
What is 18/10 Stainless Steel Cookware?
18/10, this is the most common grade of stainless steel used for food preparation and dining. The first number 18 refers to the percentage of chromium and the second number 10 represents the percentage of nickel. For example, 18/8 stainless steel is include of 18% chromium and 10% nickel metal. The chromium binds oxygen to the surface of the cookware to protect the iron from rust. And the nickel also improves the corrosion resistance of stainless steel cookware.
Read: Best Ceramic Cookware Brands
How to Choose the Best Stainless Steel Cookware
When you are going to pick your cookware set, there are some important things you need to keep in mind. Let’s have a look at a few of these below.
- Tri-Ply Construction
Since stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat, a second is introduced into the structure of the cookware. Including either aluminium, copper, or both in a 3-ply design solves the heat retains and distribution issue. When choosing stainless steel cookware, select the one that has an aluminium or copper core on the bottom of it.
- Steel Grade
Stainless steel is made by adding other metals such as nickel and chromium. The stainless steel is given grades according to the ratio of nickel and chromium. The most durable and heavy is 18/10 stainless steel which means it has 10% nickel and 18% chromium. This grade of steel is considered very well for the cookware. Chromium will protect the cookware from rust and with more chrome, your pots will look very shiny.
- Handle and Lids
When selecting stainless steel cookware, you should pay attention to the handles and lids. It is important to check them before buying, what they are made of and how well they are secured. The lids of the cookware should fit as tightly as possible, so there is no heat loss.
- Accessories
Some stainless steel cookware sets include accessories like a slotted spoon, measuring spoons, or spatula as part of the set. If you do not need other accessories you should select the package that offers only your required products.
- Consider Your Requirement
Stainless steel cookware sets come with different sizes of pots, pans, casseroles, and skillets. Select the cookware sets that have the pans and pots that you use often for your meals. A basic stainless steel cookware set will have a skillet or sauté pan, a saucepan for sauces, soups, and puddings, a stockpot for large soups and pasta.
Best Stainless Steel Cookware Brands
There is a list of stainless steel cookware brands just given below. Have a look to get more useful information.
- All-Clad
This American cookware brand makes the most unique and versatile range of anodized and stainless steel cookware. Their stainless steel cookware collection includes a wide variety of kitchen wares ranging from non-stick pans and pots. The company is famous for its specially designed pots and pans with a textured cooking surface made of stainless steel.
- Cuisinart
Cuisinart offers high-quality stainless steel cookware with matching lids and handles. The company is universally recognized for its quality and innovation in the kitchen. However, Cuisinart doesn’t tend to offer their range of cookware at moderate level prices. The cost of their products tends to go really high which makes it a big issue for some to invest in. But if you’re ready to make a lifelong investment Cuisinart is the Ideal brand to choose.
- Calphalon
Calphalon is a company with a rich culture, located in Perrysburg, Ohio. The company began operations in 1963 and widely recognized for its high-quality aluminium cookware collection. Their cookware sets are made with a special anti-corrosive technology which prevents it from extensive wear and tears over time. Besides anodized aluminium cookware, the company also manufacture tri-ply stainless steel, ceramic, and non-stick coated cookware.
- Farberware
Farberware is a famous cookware manufacturer company found in the year of 1900. Their cookware is available with a non-stick finish or a metal surface for even cooking. The stainless steel cookware collection of this company is the true and ideal match for any kind of household kitchen. They offer quality cookware for the home cook as well as professional chefs.
- T-Fall
T-Fal is well known for its non-stick product line, which includes cookware for both the professional chef and home cooks. Their cookware sets are manufactured using hard-anodized aluminium with the PTFE feature that prevents food from sticking into the pan. The company also produce pressure cookers, ceramic coated and stainless steel cookware.
Also Read: Best Hard Anodized Cookware Set
Best Stainless Steel Cookware
There is a list of some of the best stainless steel cookware collections. Read on to know more.
Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set
The Calphalon classic cookware set is made of alloys that resist corrosion and improve appearance. Including all the necessary types of pots and pans for frying, searing, boiling, simmering, and even more, this set comes with a lifetime warranty. This impact-bonded set is safe to use on the stove, oven or broiler and also for dishwasher cleaning.
The set includes
- 8 and 10-inch frying pan
- 5 and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids
- 3-quart sauté pan with lid and
- 6-quart stockpot with lid
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
The Cuisinart multi-clad stainless steel cookware set is wonderful for the professional chefs and the home cooks as well. The high-impact bonded base of these pieces heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly with no hot spots. The tri-ply construction of the cookware ensures heat conductivity with its pure aluminium core.
This professional series includes
- 1 and 1/2-quart saucepans with lid
- 3-quart pouring saucepan with lid
- 8 and 10-inch open skillets
- 3 and 1/2-quart sauté pan with lid
- 8-quart Stockpot with lid and
- Steamer inserts with lid
All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
The All-clad D5 cookware set is made of 18/10 stainless-steel with 5 alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminium. This set offers a gorgeous finish appearance and is completely safe for dishwasher cleaning. You can use these pieces in your oven and broiler safely since they can withstand up to 600-degrees F.
This beautiful set includes
- 8-quarts covered stockpot
- 3-quarts covered sauté pan
- 3-quarts covered saucepan
- 5-quart covered saucepan
- 10 and 8-inches frying pans
T-Fal Stainless Steel with Copper Core Bottom Cookware Set
T-Fal 13-Pieces cookware set the ultimate with its copper bottom and professional stainless steel construction for years of great performing. The base of the cookware is magnetic meaning it can be used on the induction stovetop. These pieces can be used on all other stovetops including electric, gas, infrared, glass, and ceramic.
This Ultimate line cookware set offers
- 8 and 10.5-inch frying pan
- 1, 2, and 3-quart saucepans
- 5-quart covered Dutch oven and
- A stainless-steel spoon and slotted spatula
Cook N Home Stainless Steel Cookware Set
This 12-piece cookware set is the perfect choice for people with large families. All the pieces of this set are made from high quality 18/10 stainless steel. An aluminium layer is placed at the bottom of the pieces to make the heat distribution even. The cookware can go into the oven up to 500-degrees F and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
This set offers
- 5- and 3-quart saucepans with lid
- 8- and 10-inch open skillet
- 5-quart 11-inch deep sauté pan with lid
- 8-quart stockpot with lid and
- A universal steamer insert with lid
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Cookware
Pros of Stainless Steel Cookware
- The smooth and mirror-like appearance of stainless steel cookware requires the least amount of cleaning time to maintain the lustrous appearance.
- Most stainless steel cookware is dishwasher safe as well as oven safe.
- They are relatively affordable. Prices of the cookware are well spread so that everybody can afford their needed one.
- Compared to other metal, stainless steel cookware is more durable, resistant to scratches and stains.
- The cookware is non-reactive and non-porous meaning it doesn’t leach any metallic flavour to food, neither does it react with acidic foods.
Cons of Stainless Steel Cookware
- Stainless steel cookware is not a good conductor of heat and doesn’t distribute the heat evenly.
- Sometimes it can be difficult to clean if you don’t follow proper cooking procedures.
- They are sensitive to sudden changes in temperatures.
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How to Season Stainless Steel Cookware
Seasoning your stainless steel pan can be a convenient solution to prevent food from sticking to your cookware. There is a step-by-step instruction to season your stainless steel pans they are effectively non-stick.
Step-1: Heat your pan on the burner over medium-high heat, until the pan is very hot. This step should only take one or two minutes.
Step-2: Once the pan is very hot, remove it from the burner and add a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. Coat the interior side of the pan by using your fingers.
Step-3: Place the pan back on the burner and continue to heat until the oil begins to smoke.
Step-4: Once the oil begins to smoke, turn off the heat and let the pan cool until it can be handled. Once the pan cools completely, wipe away all the excess oil using a paper towel.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Cookware
It’s important to follow a regular cleaning routine for your cookware and to learn how to clean tough stains effectively. There are some most effective methods are outlined below.
- Wash your stainless steel cookware right out of the box before putting into your cupboards. Simply clean it with warm soapy water, rinse it thoroughly and dry it.
- You can use baking soda to clean tough burn stains from your stainless steel cookware. Make it sure that the pan is completely dry, then sprinkle enough amount of baking soda into the surface. Rub the baking soda around the thoroughly with a dry cloth or sponge.
- To remove hard water stains, fill the pan or pot with one part vinegar to three parts water. Now bring the mixture to a boil, once it starts boiling take it off the heat and let it cool to the touch. Wash the pan completely with hot soapy water and dry it with a towel.
Compare with Other Cookware
Stainless Steel Cookware Vs Non-Stick
Stainless steel cookware is made of multiple layers of steel and other metals, but only stainless steel comes in the contact of foods. This feature makes the cookware more stable and durable. However, stainless steel cookware requires oil or butter while cooking to prevent foods from sticking to the cookware. Because of that, you cannot omit oil or butter while cooking with a stainless steel pan.
Non-stick cookware, on the other hand, is coated with a thin layer of Teflon or some other material. That coating prevents foods from sticking to the pan which makes the cleaning of the pan easier. Moreover, you do not need much oil or fat while cooking foods with a non-stick pan.
Copper Cookware VS Stainless Steel
Copper cookware is a very good conductor to heat and can distribute heat evenly. It provides greater control over cooking so you can cook your meals without losing nutrition. However, copper is a reactive metal and can react with acidic foods such as tomatoes or vinegar.
On the other hand, stainless steel cannot conduct to heat well. Unlike copper cookware, stainless steel cookware doesn’t distribute heat evenly. However, stainless steel is a non-reactive metal and doesn’t react with acidic foods.
FAQ
Q: Is Stainless Steel Toxic?
A: Deeply scratched and pitted stainless steel cookware can cause metals (chromium and nickel) to migrate into food in trace amounts. These elements are not toxic, so there is no actual issue for concern unless you have a specific allergy or sensitivity. But to use it safely, avoid using abrasive materials and toxic detergent with your stainless steel cookware.
Q: Is Stainless Steel Oven Safe?
A: Most stainless steel pans or pots are safe to put into the oven. But before assuming your cookware is oven safe, please check the manual description of your cookware. Most cookware products have a maximum temperature that it can safely handle. Moreover, while the pans themselves may be able to be used in the oven, their lids may not be.
Q: Is Stainless Steel Non-Stick?
A: The simple answer to this question is, it is not non-stick. Non-stick refers to the PFOA-coating applied on cookware like the one manufactured by Teflon. However, if you follow the proper instructions you can achieve similar non-stick properties.
Q: Is Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe?
A: Putting your stainless steel cookware in the dishwasher is said to be safe. However, it is recommended to check your cookware’s manual to ensure either the cookware is dishwasher safe or not.
Final Words
Buying a quality stainless steel cookware set is one of the great upgrades that you can make to your kitchen. The cookware will also help you to improve your cooking skill and will make your cooking easier and more enjoyable. Finally one more tip for you, before storing your cookware, make sure your set is clean and free of stains. Make it sure that your pans are completely dry when storing. It is important to keep your cookware safe and make it last longer.
